HC Deb 27 January 2000 vol 343 c227W
Mr. Ottaway

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on naval patrols in the Falkland Islands. [107247]

Mr. Spellar

Naval patrols in the Falkland Islands are undertaken by the Falkland Islands Guard Ship (currently HMS Somerset) and a Castle class Offshore Patrol Vessel (currently HMS Dumbarton Castle) supported by a Royal Fleet Auxiliary Vessel (currently RFA Grey Rover). The Guardship maintains a presence in the Falkland Islands area for most of the year, but can, on occasions, be held at longer notice to allow the ship to carry out other activities elsewhere. Other Naval assets also deploy to the area from time to time.

Mr. Ottaway

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to withdraw HMS Dumbarton Castle from the Falklands; and if he will make a statement. [107248]

Mr. Spellar

We have no plans to withdraw HMS Dumbarton Castle from the Falkland Islands.